Caltrans honors workers killed on duty

April 22, 2009 12:00:00 AM PDT

Caltrans officials statewide are honoring workers who have lost their lives while on duty.The California Department of Transportation held its 19th annual Workers Memorial Wednesday on the west steps of the state capitol. Another ceremony was held at Dodger Stadium.

Caltrans says 171 workers have been killed on the job since 1924.

Fifty-five-year-old Muoi Tran of San Jose died on October 16, 2008 from injuries sustained in a traffic accident after he visited a Caltrans construction site.

He was a transportation engineer working as part of a survey crew at the Red Bluff Maintenance Station. Caltrans Director Will Kempton took the opportunity to remind motorists "to please slow for the cone zone so our highway workers can remain safe."